Technique Spotlight: Bridge Plating for Distal Radius Fractures

Indications

Initially described by Burke and Singer as an alternative to wrist-spanning external fixation, dorsal bridge plate fixation has proven to be a versatile option for the management of fractures of the distal radius. Bridge plate fixation is most frequently utilized in the treatment of distal radius fractures with significant articular or metadiaphyseal comminution which would be suboptimally treated with a conventional locked volar plate construct. ^, Bridge plating has also shown favorable results in patients with osteoporotic bone with comminuted fracture patterns. The use of a bridge plate construct in this scenario, rather than a conventional locked volar plate, may allow for elderly patients reliant on gait aids to mobilize and regain their baseline ambulatory ability more quickly following surgery. The allowance of early weight-bearing through the injured upper extremity following bridge plate fixation has also proven advantageous in the treatment of distal radius fractures in polytraumatized patients who are reliant upon their upper extremities to facilitate rehabilitation of lower extremity injuries.